Flood alert in 8 villages in Erode district

A flood alert has been sounded in eight villages near Gunderiapallam dam in the district by PWD and revenue departments as the dam has nearly touched its full level of 42 feet following heavy rains over the past two days.

Residents of Vinobanagar, Kongarpalayam, Kovilure, Kongarpalayam colony and four other hamlets have been asked to leave for safer places, officials said.

The catchment areas near the dam have been experiencing heavy rains over the past few days and saw an eight foot rise in a day.

The dam caters to the irrigational needs of 2500 acres directly and about 10,000 acres indirectly in Vinobhanagar, Kovilure, Kongarpalayam and some other areas.